How Illinois Football Can Upset the Penn State Nittany Lions

For Illinois Football to pull off the upset over number nine-ranked Penn State, they are going to need to strong Offensive line play

Penn State edge rusher Abul Carter is a ferocious Junior, who could cause problems for the Illini Offense. Carter is one of the top NFL prospects currently competing in the Big Ten and is sure to be a high-level draft pick when he decides to enter. Partnered with Dani Dennis-Sutton, the talented combo is gifted at putting pressure on Big Ten quarterbacks. However, Abdul has moved from Linebacker, where he played in 2023, to now being upfront on the edge. The shuffle will be a test on the Nittany Lion’s linebacking core to make good reads and remain consistent as competition gets tougher, diving further into league play.

Projected first-round draft pick safety KJ Winston has suffered an injury that remains undisclosed to the public. However, he is out “Long Term” according to coach James Franklin, which is a gaping hole in the Penn State secondary.

Opportunities are certainly there for Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense to get the ball behind the talented Penn State D-Line, and take advantage of Tom Allen’s shuffled unit. However, it’s going to be up to Bart Miller’s offensive line unit to step up on the road and keep Luke clean. The Nittany Lions will surely look to attack on the edges and keep Illinois offense uncomfortable.

Can Melvin Priestly and JC Davis continue their good work in pass protection, and allow Altmyer to work?

A Chance for Illinois Football to Knock off #9 Penn State

Illinois Football has an opportunity to extend their current win streak and add another upset to their already impressive resume. The Illini will hit the road East, for what may be their toughest game of the season on Saturday night.

#9 Penn State is undefeated, and looking to stay on a clear course to the newly extended college football playoff. Head coach James Franklin has called upon Nittany Lions fans for ‘White-out energy” in Saturday’s primetime matchup. The atmosphere is sure to be madness in College Park, PA. You can certainly expect about 107,000 Nittany Lions fans to show up rowdy, in all white, and looking to win big at home.

With the odds undoubtedly stacked against Illinois, what gives them a shot on the road?

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